Indigenous Affairs Native nations lead salmon restoration efforts in Columbia Basin The number of returning adult salmon and steelhead has doubled since the 1990s, but is still only halfway to the NWPCC’s goal of 5 million. by Nika Bartoo-Smith Underscore + ICT / February 10, 2025
Indigenous Affairs Cowlitz Tribe youth help lead this year’s First Salmon Ceremony “It’s what we do to thank the salmon for what they give,” said Lydia Hodges, 15, part of the new generation carrying on the sacred ritual. by Nika Bartoo-Smith Underscore + ICT / June 24, 2024
Indigenous Affairs Yakama Nation’s new public safety campus gives justice room to grow The tribal court system, which had occupied a cluster of trailers since the ’50s, plans to add services like a mental health or a veterans court. by Nika Bartoo-Smith Underscore News and ICT / January 9, 2024
Equity Snoqualmie Tribe starts land protection sales tax at Salish Lodge The 2% tax will preserve ancestral sites such as Snoqualmie Falls, and could be a model for other Indigenous nations. by Nika Bartoo-Smith Underscore/ICT / July 17, 2023
News The Washington mental health lifeline made for and by Native people The Native and Strong Lifeline provides connection and culturally specific care to callers in crisis. by Nika Bartoo-Smith Indian Country Today and Underscore News / June 19, 2023
News WA youth in the state's care endure rain, cold for holiday visits The state’s inpatient psychiatric facility for youth requires outdoor visits during the pandemic. But that means shivering in the elements for many families. by Emily McCarty / December 24, 2020
Politics The Washingtonians still fighting 2020 election results A month after the election, some continue to float false theories about dead people’s votes, hacked computer systems and fraud. by Emily McCarty / December 14, 2020
Opinion I lost my mom to COVID-19. Don't let the holidays steal yours If you understood how much this hurts, you might stop planning Thanksgiving. by Emily McCarty / November 20, 2020
Opinion What Biden's win means: Washington state Republicans As the Biden-Harris administration prepares to take power, Crosscut asked six opinion writers to share early thoughts on what comes next. by John Carlson / November 9, 2020
Politics Why these politically savvy WA voters aren't voting for president Not lazy, not unengaged — some eligible voters choosing to sit out the biggest race of 2020 want to send a message to the two-party system. by Emily McCarty / November 2, 2020